Homemade marshmallows are infinitely superior to store-bought—creamy and almost melt-in-your mouth soft. And peppermint is just one variation. In the baking aisle, find extracts like lemon, raspberry and cinnamon to customize your own marshmallows. The power of a stand mixer eases prep of this recipe, though a hand mixer works well.

This decadent pie is a favorite at Macy's on North State Street in Chicago. Stir in candy from a box of famous Frango Mints (order at macys.com ), or use solid mint-flavored chocolate candies from the grocery store.

These treats can be stored in your refrigerator for 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months—the perfect make-ahead cookie for holiday parties. Layers of peppermint cream and chocolate fudge top a chocolate cookie crumb crust.

This rich blend of two favorite holiday flavors—chocolate and mint—might start a new dessert tradition in your house. Can't find the mint-flavored pieces? Use regular chocolate chips and add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract to the batter.

This refreshing make-ahead dish from a Witten, South Dakota, reader combines a chocolate graham cracker crust with chocolate chip mint ice cream and a homemade chocolate sauce. Try different combinations of ice cream and crust for your own dessert invention.